If you think Nithilan Swaminathan's 2024 Vijay Sethupathi film ' Maharaja ' is just another revenge drama in which a father goes out of his way to avenge the wrongs done to his daughter, this article might help you view the movie from a new vantage point. It may explain why Vijay Sethupathi chose 'Maharaja' as his 50th film, marking a significant milestone in his acting career. Nithilan's complex script, narrated in a disjointed fashion without any hand-holding, would have likely captivated Anurag Kashyap, who seems eager for a slice of South Indian cinema for its cinematic highs.
Beyond the 'Oldboy'-style climax and the superb performances from Vijay, Anurag, and the rest of the cast, what truly stands out is the symbolism Nithilan employs to critique the rape culture of our patriarchal society. Watch 'Maharaja' on Netflix In the first half of the film, an injured and unconscious Maharaja (Vijay Sethupathi) is awakened by a king cobra, using serpent symbolism to highlight the rebirth of a barber as a resolute father. When he walks into the police station to report the theft of a dustbin named Lakshmi, both the police and the viewers are led to believe he is goofy, suggesting we are in for a lighthearted ride as they toss him around, slapping and bullying him.
If you struggle to see the connection between dustbin Lakshmi and Jothi (Sachana Namidass), wait for the story to unfold; the picture will become clearer. The smile will fade when you find yourself staring at the ugly r.